Minimising the risk of employer compliance visits

At McGregors we can help companies in the Mansfield area to ensure their PAYE affairs are in order and minimise the risk of an employer compliance visit.

Because HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) seeks to concentrate its resources in areas where it considers tax is being lost, it has in recent years increased the nature and scope of compliance visits.

The purpose of compliance visits is to confirm that PAYE has been properly operated on all earnings and payments in accordance with the rules and regulations operational, as set out in the booklet, Employer's Further Guide to PAYE and NICs (CWG2).

HMRC's visit will be to your business premises and is likely to check:

PAYE deduction working sheets for completeness and accuracy

Correct use of employee codes

Reconciliation of the records with the Final FPS (Full Payment Submission) and/or EPS (Employer Payment Summary) for the tax year

Trips for purposes other than purely business, e.g. trade fairs, golf, social outings

Home telephone

Entertaining

Expenses for use of home as an office

Club subscriptions

Goods and services provided free or below market value

Luncheon expenses

Clothing

Accommodation

Work undertaken at an employee's home

Medical expenses

Casual labour

Under the system of RTI, HMRC require employers to complete a New Starter Checklist for all casual employees. This checklist replaces the form P46, which is no longer completed under RTI. The checklist provides the information needed to correctly operate PAYE for a new employee. The checklist can also be used to help fill in the first Full Payment Submission (FPS) for the employee. If the employee signs that it is his or her first job since last 6 April, then PAYE and NI need not be deducted unless the payment is in excess of the NI primary threshold, currently £166 per week. HMRC expect employers to keep this information for three years. Where the checklists have not been completed HMRC may seek to charge employers for tax and NI contributions on the grossed-up amount of these payments, often regardless of whether or not any tax has actually been lost to HMRC.

Whether or not tax or NI is payable, you must keep proper records of payments and persons paid.

Settlement

The majority of compliance visits result in some discrepancies being uncovered, and HMRC will usually calculate the 'lost' tax and NI over a period of six years plus the current year. This period may be extended if they suspect that deductions have been withheld deliberately. HMRC may also seek penalties, although these will normally depend on the gravity of the discrepancy and the existence or absence of 'reasonable care'.

How can we help?

We can assist in reviewing your wage and salary records with a view to identifying possible areas of non-compliance with PAYE and NI regulations. If a visit is made we can advise on, and assist in, negotiating a settlement with HMRC.

If you have responsibility for administering PAYE and NICs in the Mansfield area and are concerned about facing an employer compliance visit, McGregors can assist you.